1. During conference play, how do you approach midweek games? Is it a tune-up for the weekend, a time for other players to get an opportunity, or do you consider it just as important as a conference game?
We try to approach midweek games in the same fashion as we do all games. With postseason play and RPI ratings in mind, most midweek opponents are just as important as conference opponents. It is also a chance to play other players and rest some of the weekend starters. However, we try to approach every opponent in the same way.

2. I was just wondering when that guy Travis McGaughy is going to play? Is he still pitching or is he in the outfield? In high school he was one good hitter. Thanks.
Travis McGaughy is working with the pitching staff at the moment. He is still being considered as a hitter.

3. Coach, what do you attribute Jesse Fopperts rapid success too? Thanks and good luck with the rest of the season!
Jesse Foppert's success can be attributed to his great work ethic and the coaching that he is receiving in the Giant's minor league system. Not to mention the great stuff he possesses.

4. Coach Giarratano, with so many homeruns, and runs in general being scored in baseball, in particular collegiate baseball, are you a supporter of aluminum bats for the college game? It just seems that guys are getting bigger and stronger with supplements. Would it be bad for the collegiate game if they were to use wood bats instead of aluminum bats? Thanks for your time.
College baseball would be great with the use of wood bats. It would be expensive and difficult to institute. In order to offset some of those expenses, wood bat companies would have to probably take an initial loss for it to be economically feasible.

5. Is it hard to recruit in the Bay Area with Stanford and Cal so close?
Recruiting in general is challenging. Especially if you add Stanford, Cal, San Jose St., Santa Clara, and Saint Mary's into the mix. Recruiting for most universities has become nationwide. I still believe that there are enough great players to go around. In the recruiting process you may not always get your first choice like Stanford or Cal, but you still need to continue to shake the bushes.

6. How has Jason Howard being doing this season? I know he's battled through some injuries during his career.
Jason Howard is having a great year both offensively and defensively. He's hitting .340 overall and .320 in WCC play. He is by far the team leader on and off the field. He has lost a step on the bases, but is still a great baserunner.

7. Coach, what aspect of the game will USF need to improve upon to reach the postseason?
USF still needs to improve in the area of consistency. We need to pitch, hit and play defense more consistently every day.

8. What's the best advice you could give a young coach just starting out?
Be patient as a young coach. Learn from each player and each person you come in contact with. Understand why you are coaching and if you are there for the right reasons. Hopefully, you are coaching in order to make a difference in the lives of young adults. Stay positive and enjoy the journey.